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A Beacon of Hope…
By Hannah L. Halverson
I wish I could make the storm stop, take away the pain, and end the chaos. I wish I could bring you to shore here. I wish I could calm the waves, silence the wind, and stop the rain. But I don’t have that kind of power. I can’t control the chaos of this global pandemic.
The emotional storm can be exhausting.
Life has many emotional storms. Some are gentle, others are fierce. Some leave you feeling as if you are stranded. But this, this storm has been different. This storm has created a dark hour for many. The pandemic has created an emotional storm plagued with uncertainty, anxiety and fear. The chaos of these emotions has tossed you back and forth as you’ve worked hard to stay afloat…survive. This emotional storm has created certain moments of panic, moments where you’ve feared that your ship might capsize, go under. The loneliness and isolation has wreaked havoc on your thought life and has posed a difficult question, “How long will it be until I sink into the depths of depression?”
Let your faith keep you afloat.
Mark 4:35 (NIV) tells us about a time Jesus calmed the storm. As the waves crashed over the boat, and tossed it from side to side, the disciples questioned whether Jesus cared for their safety. As they watched him sleep in the stern of the bough, their hearts entertained moments of fear, anxiety and doubt. When they questioned him, Jesus stood and said to the wind and the waves, “Quiet! Be Still.” The wind then died down, and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
When Jesus sails with you, you can trust that he will calm the storm.
Have you let him on your boat?
Honestly, the chaos of an emotional storm can be terrifying. The back and forth of the waves of emotions can be hard to predict. Just when you find your sea legs and adjust to the sway, the waves then change direction. In this emotional storm, you may be asked to adjust your sails several times. You may be asked to change the direction of your ship. But Jesus can calm every emotional storm you face. You can do everything within your capability to sail the vast sea of emotions, but only Jesus can calm the waves, silence the wind and stop the rain.
A lighthouse to guide the way.
The same Jesus that calmed the storm then, is able to calm the storm now. The chaos of this emotional storm can create fear that has caused you to question your faith. But even the wind and the waves of your emotions obey him, when you trust him with your heart. God has asked you to be the captain of your own ship. He has entrusted you with the power to adjust your sails in the storms of this season. When it can seem impossible to come to shore in a place of rough waters, there is a light to shine through the darkness, illuminating a path among the waves as you fight to navigate through the wind and the rain. God’s word can be a lighthouse in the dark hour of this pandemic. A guide to shine hope throughout this time of chaos, anxiety and fear. The Bible is a safe space to help you navigate through this very treacherous part of the journey.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
God’s word is a lighthouse to illuminate the path through the waves, the wind and the rain. A lighthouse to stand firm on the shore, to provide a beacon of hope in the darkness you fear. A lighthouse to help guide your ship safely to shore. The process of emotional healing can be a long journey. You may feel alone as you navigate this sea of emotions, but other ships are sailing with you. Let God’s word provide shelter for your wounded heart and rest for your weary soul. As you pass through the rough waters of this time in history, let scripture be a beacon of hope. The love and light of Christ can make the storm stop, end the pain and calm the chaos; strengthening your faith along the way.
Let your faith be in the one who sails with you….Jesus.
